Between the 2025 Kia K4 and 2024 Kia Forte, which is the best sedan? Our comparison guide is here to help you make the right choice for your drive!
Key Takeaways
- These sedans are similarly priced, offering a great deal on a smooth, handsomely equipped ride.
- Compared to the Forte, the all-new K4 introduces bold, modern interior styling and a longer list of standard features.
- Although the Forte is known for its excellent tech lineup, the K4 upgrades your experience with cutting-edge infotainment and safety aids.
- With nearly the same powertrain options, both Kia sedans offer a smooth, capable cruise.
Price
Although the 2025 Kia K4 (starting at $21,990) costs slightly more than the 2024 Kia Forte at its debut (from $19,990), this sedan is still a great deal. And, as we’ll see, the all-new K4 has more to offer than the outgoing Forte, from aggressive styling to cutting-edge tech features!
Interior Comfort
Although both of these compact sedans offer five trim models and your choice of comfort upgrades, the 2025 Kia K4 comes standard with a longer list of modern features. You’ll also find some items, like dual-zone automatic climate control and soft-touch surfaces, on models lower down the K4’s trim list compared to the Forte. And that means you’ll spend less money to enjoy the same luxury features!
However, the K4 and Forte have a lot in common when it comes to everyday comfort. Both are known for nicely contoured seats and impressive passenger space (even in the rear seats!). And thanks to their smooth, quiet rides, both stand out in the compact sedan segment as extra-desirable options.
Technology
Just like with comfort features, the 2025 Kia K4’s tech features have the edge. Compared to the Forte, the K4 comes standard with an increasingly modern infotainment lineup, including a bigger, 12.3-inch central touchscreen. This new Kia sedan also comes standard with a more impressive list of driver safety aids, adding adaptive cruise control and a rear passenger reminder to every trim model.
Of course, these Kia sedans have plenty of tech features in common. Both come standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto infotainment connectivity, for example. And both cast a wide safety net, thanks to standard features like forward collision mitigation and lane-keeping assistance!
Performance
Although you can expect a smooth, comfortable cruise from both sedans, their powertrain specs differ slightly — especially when it comes to their performance-based trim models! The 2025 Kia K4’s base engine is nearly as efficient as the outgoing Forte, earning EPA ratings of up to 34 mpg (combined 30 city/40 highway). For more speed, check out the K4 GT-Line Turbo trim model, which features an exclusive 190-horsepower engine.
2025 Kia K4 Powertrain Specs
- 2.0L four-cylinder engine (147 hp, 132 lb-ft) and continuously variable transmission
- GT-Line Turbo: Turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder engine (190 hp, 195 lb-ft) and eight-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive
The 2024 Kia Forte comes standard with the same four-cylinder engine as its K4 counterpart. In the Forte, however, it earns an extra mile per gallon on the highway, with EPA ratings as high as 34 mpg combined (30 city/41 highway). The Forte offers two performance-based trim models, the GT and GT Manual, with their main difference being that the latter replaces a dual-clutch automatic transmission with a manual six-speed.
2024 Kia Forte Powertrain Specs
- LX, LXS, GT-Line: 2.0L four-cylinder engine (147 hp, 132 lb-ft) and continuously variable transmission
- GT, GT Manual: Turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder engine (201 hp, 195 lb-ft) and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (GT) or six-speed manual (GT Manual)
- Front-wheel drive
The Best Sedan for You
The all-new 2025 Kia K4 replaces the outgoing Forte in style, putting a modern spin on a sporty-yet-thrifty ride. And while the 2024 Kia Forte has a lot to offer used shoppers, there’s nothing quite like ordering a brand new car that’s personalized to suit your daily drive! Come see for yourself; visit us at Alan Jay Kia to compare these popular compact sedans.